Author Topic: MAME-style encoders for Playstation (Read 8750 times)

Infrasonic · « **on:** November 01, 2003, 08:27:22 pm »

I'm starting to sell interfaces to connect arcade joysticks and pushbuttons to a Playstation console. I've got a couple on ebay right now 3056583648.

I would appreciate any comments or constructive criticism on this product.

tom61 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2003, 10:52:48 pm »

Looks cool. A dual player adapter would be more usefull of course.

You're limiting your impact/sales by selling only to the US.

Is it fully PS2 compatable? There were some issues with older third-party pads and the PS2.

Infrasonic · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2003, 01:35:05 am »

I can't afford a Ps2 right now so a decent 2-player version will have to wait. You could, of course install two - but two cables coming out of one cabinet is a bit superfluous - I think.

Foreign sales require a technology export license or something like that,

Compatibility with the Playstation 2 is unknown at this time. I don't have access to a ps2 right now so I just don't know. I don't see any reason it won't work, but due to that uncertainty, I've designed both units to be upgradeable.

On another note, has anyone heard of any playstation game that will put a dual shock controller into red (analog) mode automatically??

Also, would simulated analog be something someone would be interested in?? What about turbo, or dual shock/motor outputs and led indicators?

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2003, 02:15:36 am »

Quote from: Infrasonic on November 02, 2003, 01:35:05 am

I can't afford a Ps2 right now so a decent 2-player version will have to wait. You could, of course install two - but two cables coming out of one cabinet is a bit superfluous - I think.

Foreign sales require a technology export license or something like that,

Compatibility with the Playstation 2 is unknown at this time. I don't have access to a ps2 right now so I just don't know. I don't see any reason it won't work, but due to that uncertainty, I've designed both units to be upgradeable.

On another note, has anyone heard of any playstation game that will put a dual shock controller into red (analog) mode automatically??

Also, would simulated analog be something someone would be interested in?? What about turbo, or dual shock/motor outputs and led indicators?

try ape escape for ps1.
that requires you to use a dualshock.
Also,your could sell more if its 100% x-box live compatible with converter.You encoder have to have the same code as a ps1 dualshock.
Check your PM.

This looks promising.

Infrasonic · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2003, 01:11:12 am »

I've updated and added more pictures to the auction, and corrected some spelling errors.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21184&item=3056583648

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21184&item=3056583011

LOKIOLR · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2003, 12:27:08 pm »

I'm picking 2 of these up from him. I can't wait. They look alot nicer than the two controllers I was going to hack.

shmokes · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2003, 01:02:51 pm »

Could these be used in addition to a keyboard encoder such as the I-Pac or Keywiz simply by running wires to each, or would one have to use diodes or something to avoid problems?

Infrasonic · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2003, 04:34:20 pm »

I don't know.. but even if it could run both without the use of diodes, the possibility of accidentally hooking them both up at once (I don't wanna really want to find out!!) would be enough to convince me to use them anyways.

You may consider experimenting with diodes anyways, you would need like 14 (or maybe up to 28) of them or so. I'm not sure what type, but the ones on the psx should be rated to at least a miniscule 100 microamperes (1/10 of 1 mA), since that is such a small amount I think that any diode would work.

You could twist and tape up each diode to two lengths of wire (I recommend tying a knot on one side for polarity).

Mr-Megalo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 14, 2003, 08:09:09 am »

shame its US shipping only , I could do with 4 of them for my 2 cabs , great work tho!

hyiu · « **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2003, 02:08:35 pm »

if by itself its ps2 compatible, and can use the converters for xbox, and dc.... then I'll be interested....

I think you'll have a pretty good market if you can do it....

Infrasonic · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2003, 03:01:27 am »

it "should" be compatible with ps2 and converters, the only thing is I haven't tested it with them so I can't claim such. This unit functions as a standard digital and as a dual-shock-in-green-mode (green mode is digital). It will not initialize in the same manner as a dual shock would, and the Sony PlayStation will see it as a Standard/Digital.

This unit should be 100% compatible with the PlayStation Standard (Original) Controller.

I can't imagine why it wouldn't be, so if I find out it isn't, I will be having some words with mr. encoder. Mr. encoder will be persuaded to cooperate and we will soon be friends again.

By the way... The unit can be modified to provide output for the dual shock motors (@ <3 mA each), if anyone can think of a reason why or a purpose for it I would like to hear.

Infrasonic · « **Reply #11 on:** November 19, 2003, 11:57:17 pm »

Customer feedback indicates compatibility with playstation 2.

PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 compatible.

Dave_K. · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2003, 01:23:21 am »

Quote from: Infrasonic on November 19, 2003, 11:57:17 pm

Customer feedback indicates compatibility with playstation 2.

PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 compatible.

Test it with these two PS2 games: "Silpheed" and the original "SSX". Both require an analog controller be present at boot time or game either won't boot, or won't get past the main menu. The funny thing with Silpheed is that analog isn't a requirement for actually playing the game!

I don't have many ps2 games so there may be more, but these are two I've had problems with in the past.

LOKIOLR · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2003, 12:55:15 pm »

Well I was the person testing these with the PS2. I really only tried them with DDRMAX 2 since these are mainly what it's going to be used on. I'd figure anything that would work with the digital playstation controllers would work with this.

Infrasonic · « **Reply #14 on:** November 20, 2003, 04:22:22 pm »

I just had an idea, I've been working on making the adapter masquerade as a dual shock just to make the PlayStation think its a dual shock. The green mode is functionally identical as a digital during play, the encoder would simply not be able to operate in red mode, and if the psx would try to force the encoder into red mode (rarely used with any game) the encoder would indicate on an error LED or something.

Infrasonic · « **Reply #15 on:** November 20, 2003, 10:10:10 pm »

I've done some improvements to the PlayStation-compatible encoder. The encoder now includes a 1/4 inch hardboard mounting plate with two holes in it so it can be mounted to the inside of a cabinet or joystick housing using only self-tapping screws (not-included). The circuit board comes permanently affixed to the mounting plate and is practically hermatically sealed, reducing the risk damaging critical components. The game cable is anchored to the plate, reducing the chance of damage from pulling on the cord. Also included is an empty wire holder that you can use to help tie down the joystick/button wires with. Price $20 includes 33 3/16" (.187)16-22ga F-type crimp connectors for use with the microswitches used by Happs. Shipping $4 dollars to the continental US, no foreign sales yet.

Mr-Megalo · « **Reply #16 on:** November 24, 2003, 09:35:29 pm »

I see UP DOWN LEFT RIGHT SQUARE TRIANGLE X and CIRCLE on your encoder (joystick and buttons 1 2 3 4 on jamma cab) but do they encoders have screw points for L1 L2 R1 R2 START and SELECT ? or are these covered by the screw points on the opposite side of the encoder?

Infrasonic · « **Reply #17 on:** November 24, 2003, 11:56:07 pm »

unit includes up, down, left, right, r1, r2, l1, l2, start, select, x, o, square, and triangle + ground. The picture and partially obstructs view.

each screw terminal accepts bare wire of about 16-22 guage.

Package also includes 33 of the hard to find crimp terminals (in a bag, or separate envelope) that are meant to be to be used with happ controls buttons and joysticks.

ie. You cut a wire to length, strip both ends, insert one end into the encoder, tighten the screw on that terminal (on the encoder.) With the other end, place a crimp terminal on and crimp it using a suitable tool. Attach the end you just crimped onto the Cherry-brand microswitch of the appropriate pushbutton or joystick direction.

You will not need a soldering iron. Using the crimp terminals, you will not need to solder on the switches you have bought.

Dave_K. · « **Reply #18 on:** November 26, 2003, 12:41:47 pm »

Quote from: Infrasonic on November 24, 2003, 11:56:07 pm

unit includes up, down, left, right, r1, r2, l1, l2, start, select, x, o, square, and triangle + ground.

Dual Shocks, and Dual Shock 2's have an L3 and R3 (pressing down on the analog sticks). Probably not a big deal as only a few games use it (and good games should allow you to customize the controls). Just wondering why you don't load DS microcode into the pic chip (rather than "masqurading" as one)?

Infrasonic · « **Reply #19 on:** November 26, 2003, 02:51:17 pm »

It would be better if the encoder knows it's not a dual shock and only pretends to be, so it won't get into trouble.

By the way, I have never been around a pic-chip before, and I don't know anything about them (except that Microchip company has a great marketing arm.) As far as downloading the DS microcode, maybe I would have been interested a few months ago, but now I'm not. Usage of Sony's DS microcode would be copyright infringement and wouldn't be appropriate for commercial exploitation at all.

Dave_K. · « **Reply #20 on:** November 27, 2003, 03:44:16 pm »

When I refered to the pic chip, I just ment a Programmable IC (PIC for short)...not a particular manufacturer. I'm not all that familar with pics, but know enough to make a fool of myself.

If you are aware of the DS protocol, you could simply write your own microcode for the chip (which is what I ment). Thats what 3rd party manufacturers do. If you didn't want to go through all that work, you could probably source a 3rd party chip with DS/DS2 compatible code on it already for cheap. Just giving you some other options to think about.

Overall this is a great idea you are working on, and something I know people here would like to purchase.

Sephroth57 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 10, 2003, 10:51:10 pm »

i will be interested in buying 2 probably in about 2 weeks when my cab is done but i have a few questions.

i plan on having my CP hooked up to a J-pac for MAME use mainly, how can i wire this so i can switch freely between PS2 and PC controls? since im using the J-pac with a JAMMA adapter going into it, im not actually splicing for anything except the 2 buttons not included in the normal jamma plug (its a street fighter 3 machine, 6 buttons per player)

Infrasonic · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2003, 08:31:23 pm »

I believe that by using diodes you can hook up more than one interface, I have not tried it but I think that a 100 pack of the cheapest diodes (perhaps around $5) would be all you need.

I am waiting to raise the funds to get parts right now so I won't be able to sell any until after Christmas.

Malcore · « **Reply #23 on:** January 18, 2004, 09:20:26 pm »

Hey Infrasonic,
I have tried to e-mail you under the address you have listed in your profile with no response, and have also sent you a private message with no response so I'm hoping that maybe perhaps you still even check these boards? (though the last post you made was a month ago on Dec 18th). Anyways, I'm interested in one of your devices and I would like to know if you are still making them. Please either send a private message or leave a reply here and I will continue checking for a response. If anyone else may know of a similar device like this, please don't hesitate to send me a private message. Thanks alot.

-Malcore

gusman · « **Reply #24 on:** January 20, 2004, 01:55:59 am »

I am very interested in one, please tell us your still selling!

Sephroth57 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 29, 2004, 03:14:26 pm »

if anyone gets ahold of this guy post here or let me know. im looking to make an order

Malcore · « **Reply #26 on:** January 31, 2004, 03:01:04 am »

I've been trying to no avail.. no response to anything... e-mail, private messages, posting here $:-\$

hopefully he's not dead....

Dave_K. · « **Reply #27 on:** January 31, 2004, 06:26:19 pm »

Quote from: Malcore on January 31, 2004, 03:01:04 am

hopefully he's not dead....

all hope is not lost....I've herd of a website called BUILD YOUR OWN Arcade Controls...where people actually *gasp* hack their own $5 psx pads. They have step by step instructions and everything!

Hmm...now if only we could find some sucker to build them for us we'd be all set!

Sephroth57 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 02, 2004, 08:59:00 am »

well some of us arent too good with soldering and either dont have the time or would rather spend it doing something else... sooo i would in turn pay for their time and we both profit. if you think its so easy make a couple and i bet youll sell them in days

Dave_K. · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2004, 11:27:32 pm »

I have one set of hacked PSX pads that I may sell. They don't work with some newer PS2 titles that require an analog stick be present (one of the comments I gave infrasonic early on). I know snake has made/sold some hack pads in the past, I'm sure he'd be willing too.

pcdoctor · « **Reply #30 on:** February 03, 2004, 06:24:53 am »

Gentlemen,

I purchased my PS2 hacked controllers from here.

http://www.redoctane.com/arcadecasepcb.html

I expect to get my (2) hacked controllers today.
Red Octane even includes the arcade style case for $25.

Here is a picture of the pcb.

Infrasonic · « **Reply #31 on:** February 03, 2004, 09:07:42 pm »

That is one overly complicated pcb...

pcdoctor · « **Reply #32 on:** February 03, 2004, 09:15:55 pm »

Quote from: Infrasonic on February 03, 2004, 09:07:42 pm

That is one overly complicated pcb...

Well, I'm really ticked off.
My merchandise from Red Octane arrived today.
The arcade style case was damaged.
The plexiglass is cracked and scratched.
The black lexan or whatever it's called is damaged in some spots.
This is my first and last order with Red Octane.
Oh yeah, it almost appears that the merchandise that they sent me either was previously used or was damaged before leaving Calif.


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